Every summer, it seems as if rumors about a potential Chicago Bears move to Arlington Heights resurfaces. The Bears may be locked into their current lease at Soldier Field until 2033 but the franchise’s latest bid to purchase the Arlington International Racecourse property signals change could be coming at some time over the next few years.
A brand new Bears stadium, owned by ownership doesn’t mean more revenue in the McCaskey’s pockets but also presents the opportunity to build an area featuring hotels, casinos, a new Bears fan shop, and world-class amenities that could be available for public use throughout the year.
For reference on what a Bears Mecca could look like, team president Ted Phillips should look than the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones, who spent five billion dollars on the Ford Center at The Star, an area in Frisco, Texas that includes Dallas’ practice facility, a hotel, restaurants, and retail space.
The Bears moving to Arlington Heights would cost more than five billion dollars, however, use what is the 325-acre property of the Arlington International Racecourse for a new stadium, a casino, restaurants, and more. Explore every avenue possible to bring in revenue for the franchise located in the third biggest market in the United States.
Creating a Bears Mecca also allows for major events such as NCAA tournaments, soccer tournaments, and major college football games to be hosted, with many fans likely opting to stay near the stadium for easy accessibility. While a stadium operations team would be required to keep the stadium ready to go at a moment’s notice, the extra revenue would directly benefit the Bears franchise.
Just under a week after having submitted a bid for the Arlington International Racecourse, many Bears fans are split on whether the team should really consider a move out of Chicago. The aesthetic of Soldier Field is great being located on the lakefront, however, at some point in time, it’s out with the old, in with the new.